Grammar: Adverbs - Comparative and Superlative

Grammar: Adverbs - Comparative and Superlative

Section 1: Basics of Comparative Adverbs

Comparative adverbs are used to compare two or more things, actions, or traits.
The general structure involves using plus (more), aussi (as) or moins (less), followed by the adverb, and concluded with que (than).
As a rule, plus is followed by a positive form of the adverb, aussi is mostly equal to ‘as … as’, and moins followed by a positive form of adverb equates to ‘less … than’.

Section 2: Formation of Comparative Adverbs

Most adverbs in French form the comparative by preceding the adverb with plus, aussi, or moins.
For instance, rapidement (quickly) becomes plus rapidement (more quickly), aussi rapidement (as quickly), or moins rapidement (less quickly).
Irregular adverbs should be memorised, such as bien (well) which becomes mieux (better) in the comparative form.

Section 3: Basics of Superlative Adverbs

Superlative adverbs express the highest degree of something in comparison to a group.
In French, the superlative is formed by putting le, la, les (the) before plus or moins, and then the adverb.
For example, to say ‘the fastest’, you would say le plus rapidement.

Section 4: Formation of Superlative Adverbs

As in the comparative, most adverbs form the superlative using le plus or le moins before the adverb.
There are a few exceptions, such as le mieux and le pire meaning ‘the best’ and ‘the worst’ respectively.
Remember that superlative adverbs must agree with the subject in gender and number.

Section 5: Placement of Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

In general, comparative and superlative adverbs are placed after the verb they are modifying.
However, there are exceptions like with adverbs of quantity which can sometimes be placed before the verb. It’s best to familiarise yourself with common examples.